Supes wary of hills growth

Yuba County supervisors said they are cautious of developing the foothills to their full potential because of the dangers and problems that could arise.

The discussion took place Thursday during the fourth in a series of workshops about the county's general plan update for the next 20 years. The workshop focused on growth in the foothills.

County staff reported, at full buildout, the foothills could grow by 80,000 people, a number supervisors did not like.

"These figures aren't realistic with what the people in the foothills want," Supervisor Hal Stocker said. "Water supply in the area is poor and Highway 20 is close to being maxed out."

Stocker said he thought the county should take another look at the River Highlands Community Plan, which allows for growth of up to 9,200 homes on 21,000 acres. He said he didn't think the plan, approved 15 years ago, reflects the needs of the county today.

"I think we have enough growth in the East Linda Specific Plan and Plumas Lake Specific Plan to double our population," he said. "So no one can say Yuba County isn't doing its fair share to provide housing."

River Highlands, approved in 1996, is about 20 miles east of Marysville.

Supervisors also discussed the Spring Valley Specific Plan. Because it was approved by voters in 1993, there are legal ramifications if it is changed.

Supervisors noted the problems with water and sewer that already exist in the foothills would only increase if development continues.

Supervisor Dan Logue suggested looking into clustering development to provide for a centralized system of water and sewer, while Supervisor Don Schrader said a regional sewage system might be a better solution.

"It's a lot cheaper to build pipelines than treatment plants," Schrader said.

Schrader also said he doesn't think the county should continue to divide property into smaller lots for development.

Supervisor John Nicoletti said splitting lots is where water can become an issue because of the number of wells and the increased possibility of drying up natural aquifers.

Supervisor Mary Jane Griego missed the workshop.

What's next

The next general plan workshop will be April 24 at 2 p.m. in the Yuba County Government Center, 915 Eighth St., Marysville.

It will include discussion on community character and design and global warming.

Contact Appeal-Democrat reporter Andrea Koskey at 749-4709 or akoskey@appealdemocrat.com